Partners ‘cell-out’ for battery solutions
PPG announced it has partnered with Cellforce Group, a joint venture between Porsche and Customcells, to develop exclusive sustainable battery cell solutions to better serve electric vehicle and mobility segments.
PPG will supply cathode binder systems, which are free of N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent, to the Cellforce Group.
“PPG is eager to partner with the Cellforce Group to build the next generation of battery cell technology that will define a new level of sustainability for the electro-mobility segment,” said Markus Vogt, PPG general manager of mobility.
“Additionally, the partnership enables collaboration to provide critical technology development to increase cell performance and safety,” said Vogt.
The collaboration, said PPG, would eliminate the use of NMP in producing the conductive-carbon slurry that forms cathodes for Li-ion batteries.
NMP, which is widely used in electrode manufacturing, has been identified as a reproductive hazard by several global regulatory agencies and was recently identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an “unreasonable risk” to workers in certain conditions.
PPG is helping vehicle, battery and component manufacturers accelerate the development of tomorrow’s automotive energy storage solutions.
The company said its broad-based materials expertise covers virtually every area of Li-ion battery design and construction, helping customers boost energy density, extend service life, improve safety, increase manufacturing throughput and reduce cost per kilowatt hour.
The Cellforce Group initially develops and produces high-performance lithium-ion pouch cells for special automotive applications. Porsche AG holds a 72.7% stake in the company, with Customcells holding the remaining shares.
Pittsburgh-based PPG works every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that their customers have trusted for more than 135 years. The company operates in more than 75 countries and reported net sales of $13.8 billion in 2020.